The 2025 NRL grand final is a clash of contrasting narratives.
Melbourne Storm's stumbles after half-time collide with the Brisbane Broncos' reputation for dramatic comebacks.
Melbourne have been strong starters this year, often building early leads. Yet tellingly, in their seven losses this season, they led at half-time in four of them.
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That trend casts doubt on their ability to close out tight contests. Melbourne's game management, which is usually their strength, has appeared brittle at times under second-half pressure in 2025.
Brisbane, by contrast, have become notorious for their ability to make comebacks and a refusal to surrender when trailing.
The Broncos have overturned four separate half-time deficits this year. Each comeback seems to have grown their confidence when momentum begins to swing back their way.
In Round 16, they trailed Cronulla by ten points at the break, but stormed home with dazzling attack to clinch a six-point victory.
Two weeks later, against Canterbury, Brisbane erased a 16-point deficit, prevailing 22-18 in a stunning turnaround.
The finals stage has only amplified the pattern. Week one saw Brisbane fight back from six-points down to edge Canberra in a golden point thriller.
Then came their defining moment against Penrith. Down 14-0 at half-time, the Broncos clawed back, sealing a gritty 16-14 victory over the reigning premiers.
If Melbourne race out to another half-time lead on grand final night, don't start flicking between channels, because Brisbane will only sense an opportunity to repeat their heroics.
The clash feels destined to hinge on the last ten minutes. Can the Storm steady, or will the Broncos rise again?